Aurangabad Caves
Grishneswar temple Road, Aurangabad, India, 431101
Although Aurangabad is known as the jumping-off point for the UNESCO-listed Ellora and Ajanta Caves, fewer travelers know about the Aurangabad Caves cave complex within the city limits. The 6th–7th-century Buddhist caves are smaller than their more famous counterparts but are similar in style to the Ajanta Caves and worth visiting if you have extra time in Aurangabad.
The basics
The 12 caves in the hills on the northern outskirts of Aurangabad feature beautiful carvings, pillars, verandas, and meditation chambers. Not all parts of the complex are suitable for archaeological excavation, which could explain why the Aurangabad Caves aren’t as commonly visited as others. Most travelers visit the Aurangabad Caves independently because guided tours typically focus on Ellora and Ajanta. There’s little informative signage at the caves, so consider hiring a private guide to learn more.
Things to know before you go
The Aurangabad Caves have steep uphill sections and stairs, so be prepared to walk.
The entry fee to the caves is much less than that for Ajanta and Ellora. Foreign tourists pay more than Indians, and under-15s go free.
Although the cave site has two sections, one entry ticket covers both. You may prefer to just visit one section.
How to get there
The caves are 6 miles (10 kilometers) from central Aurangabad; they take 20–30 minutes to reach by taxi, depending on traffic. Arrange for a driver to wait for you for an easy return trip. Note that there are two separate sections of the cave site, the eastern and western groups, which are about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) apart. You’ll need to walk between them.
When to get there
The caves are open daily between mid-morning and early evening. Aurangabad’s climate is generally hot. As most of this complex is outdoors, and requires quite a lot of walking and climbing, the cooler, drier winter between December and February is the most comfortable time to visit. In all seasons, bring drinking water.
Visit the Ellora and Ajanta Caves
If you’re visiting Aurangabad, there’s a strong chance you’re coming primarily to visit the Ellora and Ajanta Caves. These incredible sites are two of Maharashtra’s top attractions and because they’re so different from each other, you should visit both. While some tours combine a visit to both on one day, dedicating a full day to each cave complex is worthwhile, especially if you’re interested in ancient history, architecture, and art.
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